TEXT B. Bipolar disorder

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 489.

BIPOLAR DISORDER

Questions to the text.

1. Why did World War II create a greater need for classification system of mental disorders?

2. What does DSM mean?

3. When did the American Psychological Association create the first DSM?

4. What do the diagnostic criteria for the most common disorders include?

5. How many editions of DSM have been published?"

6. What is anxiety?

7. What is fear?

8. How are eating disorders characterized?

9. What is the primary syndrome of mood disorders?

10. What do the personality disorders include?

11. What do the substance related disorders include?

Text В

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shiftsin a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. The symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe; they can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and

even suicide.Bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.

More than two million American adults, or about 1 percent of the population age 18 and older, have bipolar disorder. Symptom of bipolar disorder include cycling mood changes that include extreme highs (mania), extreme lows (depression), and periods of normal functioning (wellness). The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression.

Signs and symptoms of mania (or a manic episode) include:

• Increased energy, activity, and restlessness.

• Excessively "high," overlygood, euphoric mood.

• Extreme irritability.

• Racingthoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another.

• Distractibility, can't concentrate well.

• Little sleep needed.

• Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers.

• Poor judgment.

• Aggressive behaviour.

• Denialthat anything is wrong.

A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated moodoccurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for one week or longer. Signs and symptoms of depression (or a depressive epi­sode) include:

• Lasting sad, anxious,or empty mood.

• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism.

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness,or helplessness.

• Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue.

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions.

• Restlessness or irritability.

• Sleeping too much, or can't sleep.

• Chronic pain or other bodily symptomsthat are not caused by physical illness or injury.

• Thoughts of death or suicide.

A depressive episode is diagnosed if five or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of two weeks or lon­ger.

Bipolar disorder is a chronic disorder. After an initial episode, people with bipolar disorder usually experience alternating periodsof mania, depression and wellness for the rest of their lives. There is currently no curefor bipolar disorder. However, it is important to understand that recognizing bipolar disorder and treatment, even during wellness, can help keep the condition under control and reduce the chance that the episodes will worsenover time. Medications known as "mood stabiliz­ers" usually are prescribed to help control bipolar disorder.